THE ACOLYTE Episode 3 shakes things up with a different take on the Force

I really tried to keep an open mind while watching The Acolyte. I was disappointed with the first two episodes, and while I was hoping the series would get better as it went along, nope… it’s just getting worse. Again, this poorly written show just doesn’t feel like it Star Wars for me. It’s frustrating.

Episode 3 is titled “Destiny” and in this article I wanted to talk about the strange change in understanding the Force gives us. None of this seems canon, based on everything I know Star Warsbut I guess it’s now.

This episode features a flashback that takes us 16 years back to reveal the events that separated the twin characters Osha and Mae, played by Amanda Stenbergand decimated their house.

The episode introduces us to a coven of witches, overseen by Mother Anisya, played by Jodie Turner-Smith. This coven operates under a belief system centered on the “Thread,” a spiritual conduit that connects individuals and governs their destiny.

Mother Anisya’s philosophy challenges the traditional Jedi concept of the Force, arguing that the power of the Force is not a tool to be manipulated on impulse. Instead, she believes that using the power of the Thread can alter destinies.

Mother Anisya also displays her Force-like abilities. She demonstrates a powerful Force push capable of subduing multiple opponents. She also exercises mind control over the young character Torbin, demonstrating her mastery of the Thread.

Speaking of Torbin, we learn that he has literally done nothing wrong. There was absolutely no reason why he should take his own life. I assumed he had done something horrible in the past, but no. Torbin just arrived looking confused.

He eventually took the Oath of Barash to atone for his part in the incident on Brendok. As part of his vow, he entered a levitating meditation and did not speak for over ten years. Then Mae came and she said, “Kill yourself,” and she did.

However, Mother Anisya’s abilities suggest that while her understanding of the Force diverges from that of the Jedi and Sith, her access to its power is equally formidable.

But the biggest revelation in the episode is that Mother Anisya has the ability to create life. It was revealed that she miraculously delivers Osha and Mae without a father, a detail that sent shockwaves through Star Wars lore.

This revelation challenges the long-held belief that Anakin Skywalker was the first child conceived through the Force.

As you can imagine, the episode sparked a barrage of complaints and theories among fans. Could it be that the series is hinting at a deeper connection between Mother Anisya’s coven and the dark intentions of Darth Plagueis and Emperor Palpatine?

If Palpatine and Plagueis discovered the secret to manipulating midi-chlorians to create life, it would open up so many questions. Mae and Osha may represent prime examples of beings with immense Force potential, capable of altering the balance of the Force and influencing the course of destiny itself.

What did you think of the most recent episode of The Acolyte and what are they setting up here?